Welcome to The Peddler Steakhouse, an iconic Gatlinburg dining destination renowned for its sizzling steaks, expansive salad bar, and warm, hospitable service. Nestled at 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3133, this riverside steakhouse has been serving quality American cuisine to both locals and tourists. This review provides a detailed perspective on The Peddler Steakhouse, including its key features, pros and cons, comparisons with similar establishments, and authentic customer testimonials.
How To Get To Peddler Steakhouse
Making your way to The Peddler Steakhouse doesn’t have to be a hassle. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Gatlinburg, and whether you’re a local or a visitor, getting there is pretty straightforward. Here are the details you’ll need to navigate your way.
Address
The Peddler Steakhouse is located at:
820 River Rd,
Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3133
Directions
Located just 0.7 miles from Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, The Peddler Steakhouse is nestled right by the river offering an appealing scenic environment.
If you’re in downtown Gatlinburg, head southeast on Parkway towards Traffic Light 6, turn right onto Historic Nature Trail/Airport Rd, continue for about 0.4 miles, then take a right onto River Rd. In approximately 0.5 miles, you’ll see The Peddler Steakhouse on your right.
Remember, the steakhouse is located on a back road, away from the usual congestion and foot traffic, lending it a quieter, more serene atmosphere.
Contact
Got a question, or need to make a reservation? Give them a call! You can reach The Peddler Steakhouse at 1-865-635-9467. They’re more than happy to assist and ensure you have an exceptional dining experience.
Hours Of Operation
- Sunday 5-9 PM
- Monday 5-9 PM
- Tuesday 5-9 PM
- Wednesday 5-9 PM
- Thursday 5-9 PM
- Friday 5-9 PM
- Saturday 4:30-10 PM
Design and Quality
Interior Design
As soon as you walk into The Peddler Steakhouse, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that elegantly merges the traditional and the contemporary. The interior decor features a warm color palette, evoking a sense of comfort and relaxation, much like dining at home with an upscale touch. The design, rustic and inviting, cleverly uses wood elements to enhance the eatery’s connection to its mountainous surroundings.
The dining area is spaciously laid out to ensure privacy while also promoting a communal vibe. The tables, finely set with crisp linens, offer a premium feel, while the comfortable seating ensures a pleasant dining experience. Unique to the steakhouse is the riverside seating, offering a picturesque view of the flowing river, which complements the serene ambiance of the restaurant.
Quality of Service and Food
The quality of service at The Peddler Steakhouse is one aspect where the restaurant truly shines. The attentive, friendly staff ensures a delightful dining experience, demonstrating professionalism and a keen eye for detail. Service is swift yet unobtrusive, balancing the fine line of being readily available without feeling overbearing.
The quality of food served at The Peddler Steakhouse also stands out. The menu reflects a commitment to high-quality ingredients, freshness, and tantalizing flavor profiles. Each dish, from their signature steaks to the extensive salad bar, is prepared with care, adhering to high culinary standards. The steaks, perfectly done to the customer’s preference, are renowned for their tenderness and rich flavor. Whether you’re opting for the ribeye, filet mignon, or the New York strip, you’re in for a memorable meal.
Complementing the mains, the salad bar impresses with its variety and freshness, and the desserts, ranging from blackberry cobbler to Kahlua cream brûlée, add a sweet endnote to the dining experience.
Overall, the design and quality of The Peddler Steakhouse make it a destination worth visiting, offering not just a meal but an experience to remember.
Key Features and Functionality
Exceptional Menu Selection
One of the standout features of The Peddler Steakhouse is its exceptional menu selection. It provides a balanced offering of time-honored classics and innovative dishes. The star of the show is undoubtedly the variety of steak cuts, including Ribeye, New York Strip, and Filet Mignon, each prepared to your exact specifications. Alongside the steaks, the menu also boasts seafood options, such as shrimp, which can be combined with your steak for a surf-and-turf experience.
Salad Bar
The salad bar at The Peddler Steakhouse is a unique feature that distinguishes it from other steakhouses. Instead of a simple side dish, their salad bar becomes an experience in itself, offering a wide range of fresh greens, vegetables, and toppings. You can customize your salad to your liking, which adds a nice personal touch to your meal.
Riverside Seating
The riverside seating is another key feature that enhances the dining experience at The Peddler Steakhouse. Tables by the window offer a stunning view of the river, contributing to the tranquil and romantic ambiance of the restaurant. It’s an ideal setting for special occasions or for anyone looking to dine amidst nature.
Customer Service
The exceptional customer service at The Peddler Steakhouse is a significant functional aspect of the restaurant. From the host at the entrance to the wait staff serving your table, each employee is dedicated to providing a friendly, attentive, and efficient service. Their professionalism adds to the overall positive dining experience.
Reservation System
A practical feature of The Peddler Steakhouse is its reservation system. Knowing that the steakhouse is a popular destination, having the ability to reserve a table in advance, even a riverside one, is a useful functionality for ensuring a seamless dining experience.
Special Attention to Celebrations
Last but not least, the steakhouse is well-known for its special attention to celebrations. Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, or any other special occasion, they go the extra mile to make it memorable. From arranging candles at the table to providing exceptional service, they ensure a remarkable celebration for their guests.
Overall, these key features and functionalities contribute to making The Peddler Steakhouse more than just a dining destination—it’s a place for a memorable culinary journey.
Comparison with Other Gatlinburg Restaurants
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a popular tourist destination with a bustling culinary scene. Let’s look at how The Peddler Steakhouse stacks up against some other popular restaurants in Gatlinburg.
The Peddler Steakhouse Vs. The Park Grill
The Park Grill, another steakhouse in Gatlinburg, offers a similar rustic atmosphere, with an interior featuring carved wooden bears and an extensive menu. While it also features prime cuts of beef, The Peddler sets itself apart with its unique custom-cut-on-display approach, ensuring your steak is tailored to your preference. Furthermore, The Peddler’s riverside location offers an unbeatable view, creating a serene dining experience that The Park Grill can’t quite replicate.
The Peddler Steakhouse Vs. The Smoky Mountain Brewery
The Smoky Mountain Brewery is a popular spot in Gatlinburg, known for its locally brewed beers and pub-style food. While this establishment offers a more casual dining experience, The Peddler Steakhouse excels in offering a higher-end, yet still accessible, meal. The emphasis at The Peddler is on quality steakhouse fare, with a comprehensive salad bar and prime cuts of beef, compared to the more comfort-food style offerings at the Brewery.
The Peddler Steakhouse Vs. The Cherokee Grill
The Cherokee Grill offers a variety of Southern-inspired dishes, from seafood to steak. Although it offers a similar variety of meat-based dishes, The Peddler stands out with its specialized focus on steaks. The Peddler’s steaks are all custom-cut and cooked to order, a feature not available at The Cherokee Grill.
The Peddler Steakhouse Vs. The Pancake Pantry
As Gatlinburg’s oldest pancake house, The Pancake Pantry offers a completely different dining experience. It’s a great spot for breakfast or a casual lunch, but for dinner, especially for special occasions, The Peddler Steakhouse is a more fitting choice. Its romantic, riverside ambiance, high-quality steaks, and extensive wine list make for an unforgettable evening.
In conclusion, The Peddler Steakhouse manages to carve out a unique niche in Gatlinburg’s competitive dining scene with its combination of premium, personalized steaks, a diverse salad bar, and a stunning riverside location.
Pros and Cons
- High-quality steaks and diverse menu options
- An extensive and unique salad bar
- Exceptional riverside views and atmosphere
- Excellent customer service
- Prices may be higher compared to other local options
- Some customers reported inconsistent steak quality
- Limited parking can be an issue during peak times
Why The Peddler Steakhouse Stands Out in Gatlinburg
While Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers a variety of dining options, The Peddler Steakhouse distinguishes itself in several ways that make it a top choice among both locals and tourists.
Quality and Customization
The Peddler Steakhouse’s commitment to serving high-quality, custom-cut steaks is a unique feature that sets it apart from many other restaurants in the area. When patrons order a steak, they’re able to specify not just how it’s cooked, but also how thick they want it, thanks to the on-site butcher. This level of customization ensures that guests receive their steak exactly how they like it, a level of personalization not often found in other establishments.
Ambiance
The Peddler Steakhouse offers a unique dining experience in Gatlinburg, given its location on the Little Pigeon River. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning river views, adding a layer of serenity and charm that enhances the overall dining experience. This setting, combined with the restaurant’s rustic and cozy interior, creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is hard to replicate.
Heritage and History
The Peddler Steakhouse has been a part of the Gatlinburg community for decades, and its rich history adds to its appeal. The restaurant is built on the foundations of the old Ogle cabin, a home belonging to one of Gatlinburg’s earliest settlers. This connection to Gatlinburg’s history adds a depth and authenticity to the dining experience that few other restaurants can boast.
Service and Consistency
In addition to its superior food and atmosphere, The Peddler Steakhouse has a reputation for excellent service. Staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and committed to providing a great dining experience. Moreover, consistency is key in the restaurant industry, and The Peddler has a longstanding reputation for consistently delivering high-quality food and service.
Variety and Selection
Finally, The Peddler’s extensive salad bar and menu selection cater to a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring all guests can find something to enjoy. While they specialize in steak, their offerings are diverse enough to satisfy seafood lovers, vegetarians, and those looking for gluten-free options.
For these reasons, The Peddler Steakhouse sets itself apart from other dining options in Gatlinburg. It offers a unique combination of quality food, personalized service, and a deeply-rooted connection to the local community, providing an unforgettable dining experience for every guest.
User Experiences at The Peddler Steakhouse
The Peddler Steakhouse offers a unique and rich dining experience in Gatlinburg. Here is a collection of frequent comments from patrons, which cover both positive and negative aspects:
The Personalized Experience
Guests often speak highly of the customization available for their steak, with the choice of cut and thickness standing out as a notable point of appreciation. The attention to detail from the staff, ensuring each steak is cooked to the guest’s preference, is seen as a significant positive.
Quality of Food
Many patrons commend the taste and quality of the food. The steak is praised for its tenderness and flavor. The seafood and vegetarian options also receive positive remarks for their freshness and delectable taste. However, some guests have noted inconsistency with the preparation of side dishes, specifically mentioning that certain items could use more seasoning or varied preparation methods.
Service
The service at The Peddler Steakhouse is a frequent topic of discussion among guests. Many admire the friendly and attentive staff, noting that their prompt service adds to the overall enjoyable experience. However, during peak dining hours, some guests have mentioned experiencing longer wait times than expected, which somewhat dampened their experience.
Ambiance
The unique location by the Little Pigeon River offers a serene dining atmosphere that many guests appreciate. The rustic charm of the restaurant mixed with the calming sound of the river often stands out in guest comments. On the downside, some patrons have mentioned that the interior lighting could be improved to enhance the overall ambiance, particularly during evening hours.
Overall Satisfaction
The overall dining experience at The Peddler Steakhouse receives high marks from many guests. The quality food, attentive service, and unique location contribute to a satisfying experience. Nevertheless, the occasional complaints about wait times and aspects of the restaurant’s interior do indicate areas that could enhance the overall guest experience.
By considering these varied experiences, it’s clear that while The Peddler Steakhouse has many strengths that make it a standout dining location in Gatlinburg, there are also areas where improvements could further enhance guest satisfaction.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting The Peddler Steakhouse
Navigating your way to a fulfilling dining experience at The Peddler Steakhouse can be greatly enhanced with some insider tips and tricks:
1. Make a Reservation
The Peddler Steakhouse is a popular destination, and it can get busy, especially during peak hours and weekends. To ensure you have a table, it’s advisable to make a reservation. You can do this online or by calling the restaurant directly.
2. Arrive Early
If you do not have a reservation, it’s recommended to arrive early, particularly if you plan to dine during popular hours. This not only improves your chances of getting a table, but also allows you to enjoy the serene ambiance of the restaurant without the full evening crowd.
3. Ask for a Riverside Table
The Peddler Steakhouse has a beautiful riverside location. Ask for a table by the window to get the most of the charming view of the Little Pigeon River. Keep in mind that these tables are highly sought-after, so they might not always be available.
4. Consider Off-Peak Dining
If your schedule allows, consider dining at off-peak hours. You might avoid the long wait times that sometimes occur during peak hours, and the restaurant tends to be quieter, offering a more intimate dining experience.
5. Explore the Menu
While the steak is the main attraction, the menu at The Peddler Steakhouse is diverse and caters to various dietary needs. Don’t shy away from trying their seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options. Additionally, the restaurant offers daily specials that are worth exploring.
6. Express Your Preferences
One of the great features of The Peddler Steakhouse is the customization of your steak. Don’t hesitate to specify your preferred thickness and level of doneness. The staff is accommodating and wants to ensure you enjoy your meal to the fullest.
7. Save Room for Dessert
The Peddler Steakhouse is known for its sumptuous desserts. Whether you’re a fan of classic strawberry shortcake or a creamy cheesecake, make sure to leave some room for a sweet finish to your meal.
By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, you can ensure your visit to The Peddler Steakhouse is as enjoyable and satisfying as possible.
FAQ Section
Where is The Peddler Steakhouse located?
The Peddler Steakhouse is located at 820 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3133.
What are the operating hours?
Sunday 5-9 PM
Monday 5-9 PM
Tuesday 5-9 PM
Wednesday 5-9 PM
Thursday 5-9 PM
Friday 5-9 PM
Saturday 4:30-10 PM
What are the contact details for The Peddler Steakhouse?
You can call The Peddler Steakhouse at the number provided above or reach them through their email.
Does The Peddler Steakhouse have a dress code?
You can dress up or down to your personal comfort leve.
Who owns The Peddler Steakhouse?
As of this publication it is owned by Geoff Wolpert who also owns The Park Grill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Peddler Steakhouse offers a delightful dining experience in Gatlinburg with its tantalizing menu, superior service, and unique location. While some aspects such as steak quality and pricing may not meet everyone’s expectations, the overall experience tends to be positive. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or simply to enjoy a quality steak in a picturesque setting, The Peddler Steakhouse could be a great choice.
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